New Product Developer - NPD

The Compleat Food Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic food innovation company in Tees Valley seeks a New Product Developer to join their team. This role involves managing product launches, collaborating with diverse teams, and conducting market intelligence to drive innovative food products. Candidates should have experience in food product development and excellent communication skills. This 10-month contract offers a chance to influence product development and create exceptional food offerings in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

4% Matched Pension

33 Days annual leave

Employee Volunteering Days

Online retailer discount scheme

Physical Wellness Benefits

Qualifications

• Track record of successful concept-to-product launches.
• Experience in food product development, ideally within chilled food.
• Basic understanding of UK and European food regulations.

Responsibilities

• Foster relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage the product launch process and critical path.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product development.

Skills

Product Launch Process

Market Intelligence

Planning and Organization

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Education

Food-based degree

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Job Overview

Are you passionate about food innovation and eager to make your mark in the fast‑paced Food Manufacturing environment? The Compleat Food Group is seeking a creative and talented New Product Developer to join our skilled team and drive the creation of exceptional food products on a 10 Month fixed term contract. This is your chance to be at the forefront of product development, working with top brands and leading retailers to bring exciting new products to market. If you are working in Product Development currently and looking to step up to a Developer this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your experience, skills and talent. The role is based from our Middlesbrough Bakery, but will include travel to our other UK locations and to the clients premises for client meetings.

The Compleat Food Group are proud to have built an inclusive and respectful culture where our colleagues feel safe, supported and valued. A place where they can bring their whole selves to work to achieve exceptional results and thrive. We continue to attract diverse talent into our teams, because we know greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect in all that we do.

Responsibilities

• Building Relationships: Foster strong, positive relationships with customers and internal stakeholders, inspiring and influencing product briefs and innovation.
• Product Launch Process: Ensure all relevant development processes and procedures are followed to deliver timely and successful product launches.
• Critical Path Management: Create and manage the critical path, communicating key dates, and highlighting risks to ensure smooth product launches.
• Market Intelligence: Stay updated on market trends, consumer insights, and technological changes in the food industry to drive innovative product concepts.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Brand, Technical, Process, Commercial, and Packaging teams to develop feasible, cost‑effective, and high‑quality product concepts.
• Cross‑Category Product Development: Lead and coordinate the development of both customer and branded products, ensuring they align with The Compleat Food Group's brand strategy, category pipeline plans, and growth aspirations.
• Customer Interaction: Organize and send out samples, prepare presentations, and support or lead customer meetings to showcase new products.
• Product Trials: Attend and verify factory trials to ensure products meet the agreed taste and quality criteria.

Qualifications

• A food‑based degree is desirable.
• Experience in a retail or food product development role, ideally within the chilled food sector.
• Demonstrable track record of successful concept‑to‑product launches.
• Knowledge of the product launch process within a chilled food environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and present confidently.
• Strong planning, organisation, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Basic understanding of UK and European food regulation and legislation.
• A genuine passion for food, creativity and enthusiasm to learn and grow.
• Good influencing skills and confidence to present at a senior level.
• Driving Licence.

Benefits

• 4% Matched Pension
• 33 Days annual leave
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High‑street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well‑being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellness Benefits - Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Free Financial wellbeing - mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount